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An Historical Photographic Archive of National Importance

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Nostalgic memories of Brynmawr's local history

Share your own memories of Brynmawr and read what others have said

For many years now, we've been inviting visitors to our web site to add their own memories to share their experiences of life as it was when the photographs in our archive were taken. From brief one-liners explaining a little bit more about the image depicted, to great, in-depth accounts of a childhood when things were rather different than today (and everything inbetween!). We've had many contributors recognising themselves or loved ones in our photographs.

Why not add your memory today and become part of our Memories Community to help others in the future delve back into their past.

Add a Memory!

It's easy to add your own memories and reconnect with your shared local history. Search for your favourite places and look for the 'Add Your Memory' buttons to begin

Add Your Memory for Brynmawr

Displaying Memories 1 - 10 of 14 in total

Childhood Memories

I have very fond memories of Brynmawr. It was my fathers family home. His name was Len Purslow. The family lived in George st. As a child until the age of 14 every year we visited for two weeks in the school holidays. We stayed with my father's brother and sister who's names were William and Violet Purslow. They lived at number 11 and another brother, Cliff lived at number 8 with his wife, my auntie ...see more
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Added 03 June 2016

King Street And Worcester Street.
In 1900 my grandfather WILLIAM HARTSHORN from WORCESTER STREET married HENRIETTA JAMES from KING STREET. I am researching my family and would like to know if there are any relatives still living in Brynmawr or surrounding area.I would be grateful for any info. that you can provide.
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Added 13 May 2015

Banbery
I worked in Semtex on the banbery mixing vinyl for tiles, then left and became transport organiser for black rock haulage before emigrating to Austrailia, but have fond memories of my time there.
Brynmawr, Dunlop Semtex Factory c1965
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Added 12 October 2012

Happy Days
My father (Howard Case) worked on the Vinyl section and was a union rep. His boss was Tom Bailey and the clerks were Betty Powell and Sue. I worked in the Post Room for approx 18 months with Maisie Jones and then transferred to the Shipping Department. My boss was Geoff Bickell until he sadly passed away in his car, in the car park one lunch time. I remained in the Shipping Department until the very sad day when Semtex ...see more
Brynmawr, Dunlop Semtex Factory c1965
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Added 30 September 2012

Semtex Ltd
I worked in the factory for six months in 1962 as part of a management training programme with Dunlop. The work was mainly the production of vinyl asbestos tiles but there was a unit for making rubber underlay. This was a hell hole where ammonia fumes were rife. For a while there was an attempt at diversification in producing fibre glass rod blanks, suitable for fishing rods. It was a friendly place and I had ...see more
Brynmawr, Dunlop Semtex Factory c1965
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Added 14 September 2011

Deakin Fairground
I was born in Brynmawr and lived there until I got married. I can rember Deakin fair very well, it always was outside the Buffs club on Station Road which lead to Brynmawr railway station. The fair was very busy ever week it come to Brynmawr, Tuesday night was busy, all the young people would go to the dance in Churchhouse, then down to the fair to finish off the night.
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Added 06 July 2011

Brynmawr Comprehensive
I think overall I enjoyed my time at the comp. It had its bad times, Billy Raybould, Welsh master, I hated him, he was a mental and at times a physical bully. And him a Welsh International to. Ended up wagging his lessons for ages, he was told I'd already gone to Brum. It had to end, and I was collared, got what I presumed he thought I deserved, via head, Mr James. By far the best teacher there was Sinclair ...see more
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Added 28 June 2010

Synagogue
Brynmawr, my home town, although I haven't lived there for nigh on 40 years, it's still home. I have good and bad memories of Brynmawr. I was always regarded as a blacksheep, rebel, so the bad memories are of my own making. But thankfully, I've matured. Anyway, the synagogue in Bailey Street was renovated by my dad and his mate, Alan Durban, in the late 1960s. We'd moved from the New Houses estate, 5 Tudor Crescent, ...see more
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Added 28 June 2010

Synagogue
Brynmawr. Although I've lived away from here for nigh on 40 years, I still regard this place as home. I was, and although thankfully grown up now, always regarded as a bit of a black sheep. Lived originally on the new houses, 5 Tudor Crescent, having moved from the Semtex estate, up by the Gurnos. We moved into the old synagogue, in the late 1960s, as my dad, David Bennett, God bless him, with his mate Alan Durban, ...see more
Brynmawr, the Bus Station c1965
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Added 26 June 2010

Hometown
It's not an actual memory, but my grandad, Tom Gurney, used to fetch me from the nursery, put me on his shoulders and take back to the house up at Heol Isaf. I have many fond memories from home, I was a bit of a rat bag when younger, but my parents of Neil and Audrey, my uncles and Aunts did a great job. I actually miss home and it was a go-slow place nestled up in the valleys. One day i want the Welsh to beat the All Blacks in rugby, maybe this weekend 19-June-2010.
Brynmawr, Swimming Pool c1955
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Added 18 June 2010